How To Apply - Leaders Asia-Pacific

Location

Program participants must reside in one of the following areas: American Samoa; Aotearoa New Zealand; Australia; Brunei; Cambodia; China; Cook Islands; Federated States of Micronesia; Fiji; French Polynesia; Guam; Hawaiʻi; Hong Kong; Indonesia; Japan; Kiribati; Korea, North (DPRK); Korea, South (ROK); Laos; Macao; Malaysia; Marshall Islands; Mongolia; Myanmar; Nauru; New Caledonia; Niue; Northern Mariana Islands; Palau; Papua New Guinea; Philippines; Pitcairn Islands; Samoa; Singapore; Solomon Islands; Taiwan; Thailand; Timor-Leste; Tokelau; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu; Vietnam; and Wallis and Futuna to apply.

Citizenship and Residency

Program Participants must be: 

• A citizen of an eligible country or territory OR 

• A permanent resident of an eligible country or territory 

• A refugee or asylum seeker in an eligible Asia-Pacific nation or territory OR

• Have lived in an eligible country or territory for at least the last 5 years, regardless of citizenship or permanent residence status

Geographic Focus

Participant’s  work must be focused on creating positive change for local communities, an eligible nation or territory, and/or the broader Asia-Pacific region. 

Program Commitment

The Leaders Asia-Pacific program is currently scheduled to begin the week of September 1, 2026 and will conclude no later than May 1, 2027, with planned breaks throughout.

Language Proficiency & Age

Participants must be  professionally proficient in English and be between 24 and 45 years of age during their time in the program.  

Political Campaigns

Participants must refrain from participating in an electoral campaign as a candidate for political office from the time they are accepted into the program through its conclusion.

Leadership Experience

Participants must demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant experience in their issue area. 

Jurisdiction and Ability to Participate in a U.S.-Based Program

The Obama Foundation is based in the United States. Participants must be under no legal or regulatory restrictions that would limit their participation in virtual Foundation programming or travel to the U.S. for in-person programming (if any).